The Wildlife Ranger Challenge

There is no doubt that the Wildlife Ranger Challenge (WRC) has had a profound impact on rangers and their work since its initiation by organising partners Tusk Trust, Natural State and the Game Rangers Association of Africa.

Having been able to mobilise over 16 million dollars for supporting Africa’s rangers is hugely impressive and funding partner, the Scheinberg Relief Fund, must be acknowledged for their generosity and continued support of rangers.

Impressively, these funds have been channelled into direct action initiatives that have supported ranger salaries, provided rations and food, improved living and working conditions of rangers and supplied basic operational equipment like uniforms and boots for over 70 teams. This has ensured these teams are able to continue to carry out their important conservation work despite the funding challenges experienced since the Covid-19 pandemic devastated the global economy.

It is however important to look beyond the immense financial support that the WRC been able to deliver since inception when considering its impact. When the pandemic gripped the globe, ranger morale hit an all-time low. Many of our colleagues had doubts about what the future held for them and their families. Rangers were told to return home, furloughed or even retrenched. Job security was threatened as conservation funding models collapsed overnight.

Initially, the WRC was initiated to keep rangers employed so that they could stay in the field and keep undertaking their critical conservation work. As the pandemic subsided, the initiative has continued to deliver tangible benefits to rangers. It has become so much more than just a fundraising event, and has had a significant impact on the rangers who take part, both in terms of their physical and mental wellbeing, and their sense of purpose and value.

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North Luangwa Conservation Programme Chilunda’s protectors team put their best foot forward for the 2022 Wildlife Ranger Challenge. And the North Luangwa Conservation Programme Rhino stars strike a photo as they challenge themselves to the race course during the 2021 Wildlife Ranger Challenge Credit: North Luangwa Conservation Programme